Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace group helping 3 refugee families, hopes for more

In a matter of seven months, a small group in the Antigonish area have rallied the community, leading dozens to volunteer and donate to help Syrian refugees.

The group, Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace (SAFE), was formed in May in the hopes that they could raise enough money to bring one family to Antigonish sometime in 2016.

But after the death of three-year-old Alan Kurdi interest in the group surged. Their membership of 15 ballooned to 100, and thousands of dollars were donated in a matter of days.

• Syrian refugee says Halifax arrival was 'the moment' of his life

By September, they had enough money to sponsor a family. A few weeks later, they reached an unexpected goal of being able to support a second.

"It's really an incredible surprise," said Bronwen Cooke, one of the founders of SAFE. "Then looking back at it, not so surprising, just seeing how much heart people have put into it."

Their first new resident, 23-year-old Tareq Hadhad, arrived just over a week ago. His parents and three sibilings are expected any day now.

"When Tareq arrived at the airport and we were able to welcome him and know his family is not far behind, it was just a real rewarding experience."

Diverse network

SAFE didn't just raise money. The organization has built a network to support the Syrian families over the course of the next year.

Each member has a role. Some are in charge of teaching the new arrivals the basics of the community. Some will teach them about Canadian banking, the school system or how to navigate health care.

They've created pamphlets listing services, arranged to rent homes and made sure they were decked out appropriately for each family.

They've posted basic Arabic lessons on their Facebook page so people can greet their new neighbours. 

"It really shows what people in Antigonish are looking forward to," said Cooke. "And what they feel is important for community."

The enthusiasm hasn't ended.

SAFE now believes it has enough money to bring a third family to Antigonish in 2016.

Cooke says they've also formed a partnership with St. Francis Xavier university to continue to raise money and privately sponsor families.

Their work is being appreciated. Hadhad says he's been treated like a celebrity and is honoured that so many people would go out of their way to help his family.

"I think it will make our community richer," said Cooke.